RED BLUFF — New Mercy High School football coach Eric Burk is trying to instill in his team the philosophy the past has passed, and it is time to rebuild for the future.

There are 14 players on the team, but Burk said more two will join the team as soon as they clear their physicals.

“We got a team full of speed,” Burk said. “We’re more of a king-queen type of spread with a kind of wing-T type of offense and these kids are just soaking it up.”

Burk said it is great that his team comes together and players help each other out, which should create success for the future.

“I don’t guarantee wins or victories,” Burk said. “I promise these guys we will get better each and every week, one way or another, and we will learn.”

Wide-out Vern Williamson is described as a bear by Burk. The coach nicknamed Williamson cowboy because he can do everything and is very smart.

Jacob Espinoza, one of the starting linemen, has that indescribable “it” athletes have, Burk said.

Sophomore Tyler Hughes is going to be something special, Burk said. Hughes already has the mental part of the game, and he instinctively picks up on things.

“I don’t believe we are as strong as our weakest link; I believe we are as strong as our strongest link,” Burk said. “I don’t believe in 110 percent, I believe in 100 percent.”

Mercy opens at home against Butte Valley at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.

Burk said he has not seen any film on Butte Valley and does not know anything about the team besides its name, but the Warriors will not panic either way. He said Mercy should be at least competitive against the Bulldogs.